Meet the Pride Guides: Grace

Name: Grace Young
Hometown: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Major: Marketing
Year: Junior

1. Why did you apply to be a Pride Guide?

I applied to be a Pride Guide because I love meeting prospective students and sharing my experiences at Hofstra with them. Looking back to when I was in their shoes and visiting Hofstra, I remember how much more comfortable I was because I was able to meet current students that I could relate to. 

2. What is something most people don't know about you?

Although I am a marketing major, theatre has been a passion of mine for about 12 years! I even graduated from a performing arts high school.

3. What advice do you have for first year students?

Don’t be afraid to get to know your professors! Hofstra professors care about their students and want to get to know you. Visit their office hours, say hello to them when you see them around campus, and participate in class.

4. Describe your transfer orientation.

I transferred into Hofstra during the Spring, and I was very nervous coming into a new school where students in my year might already be situated. However, I was able to meet other transfer students at orientation, and I was assigned a transfer mentor that I could come to with any questions. I also participated in Welcome Week activities around campus to meet other students!

One Step Closer to the Dream

Hey there! My name is Nick Faria, and I am a sophomore Journalism major for East Providence, Rhode Island. Ever since I was little, I've always been taught to chase my dreams, no matter how difficult they seemed. My biggest dream in life is to be the best sports broadcaster in the country. My first year here at Hofstra was everything I could have dreamed of and more, as it prepared me for that next step into becoming the best. When the school year ended, I had a choice. I could go home for the summer, maybe get a job and relax - or I could work on campus and broadcast games over the summer for our radio station, WRHU - Radio Hofstra University. I chose to stay here in New York and pursue my dreams. In the beginning of the summer, I was working some music slots and would do tasks that I did during the normal school year. It wasn't until a little later on that I was beginning to get chances that most freshmen entering their sophomore year never get.

Fellow WRHU students and myself at the Stakes.

I was a field reporter for WRHU during the Belmont Stakes, and I had the opportunity to interview the winner of the Saratoga race, as well! I also covered Long Island Ducks baseball games and at one point was a solo broadcaster for the New York Lizzards, a Major League Lacrosse team. I was also on hand to watch two MLL seasonal and game records fall within the same game! I was recently selected to cover a hockey event for the radio station, as well as a local newspaper! This summer has taught me a lot about myself, as well as sports I normally wouldn't think to cover, like horse racing. I'm so glad I made the choice to stay here over the summer because it really helped me to be one step closer to reaching my goal.

Saratoga winner, Kent Desormeaux, and I.

Peter went to LA!

Hey! My name is Peter Charney and I am a senior pursuing a BFA in Theater Arts with a concentration in production. This summer I decided to go on an adventure! Instead of sitting around at home and binge-watching my favorite shows on Netflix, I decided to travel to the place where those shows are produced: Los Angeles, California!

Fellow Pride Guide and Drama major, Justin Chesney, and I decided to make the journey from East to West coast in order to explore potential work opportunities for when we graduate from Hofstra next spring. We wanted to check out what it was like to live in Los Angeles, as well as discover what kind of opportunities they have in the entertainment industry.

We were able to stay with a former Pride Guide, Tanner Alvarez, who is currently working in the TV industry as a post-production supervisor. He was able to introduce us to some of his friends who are also working in the industry along with showing us around the area. We were able to see a live taping of the Conan O’Brien show, a new movie with a Q&A talkback with the directors, and several movie and television studios. We also went to see the Dolby Theater (where they host the Oscars!), climbed to the Hollywood sign, and went to Disneyland.

Justin (left), Peter (middle), Tanner (right)

Our trip was a great learning experience. This was really my first time travelling alone without a plan, and I learned a lot about myself. Even though the trip was a success, I think I will stay in NYC when I graduate due to the many connections I have in the city. However, if I was ever offered a job in LA I would happily accept it, knowing that I am now prepared. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll being seeing my name in lights back in “La La Land!”

Get Excited for Welcome Week!

Welcome Week is only one month away! If you ask any Hofstra student for a highlight from their four years here, odds are Welcome Week will be the overwhelming response. So many Hofstra students enjoy this week because not only do they get see their friends from orientation, but there are a variety of fun events and activities that happen on and off campus! Here's a list of some our Pride Guides' favorite Welcome Week moments!

1. You get to hang out with your OL! At this point you already know an upperclassman who knows everyone on campus! Talk to them and see who they can introduce you to or what student organizations they can recommend.

2. SO MANY Explore Next Door (END) trips are offered. From Mets games and bike tours of Central Park to scavenger hunts in the Museum of Natural History, there's a trip for everyone. And the best part? They're FREE for students!

Top of the Rock - END Trip

3. At the end of the first day of Welcome Week, there's a "class welcome," where current students and faculty line up and cheer on the incoming class! It's a great time to really get excited about the next four years!

4. In case you're really good at mini-golf, and even if you aren't, the Axinn Open is a great way to see what our library is all about! Play putt-putt along stacks of books and in the museum on the 10th floor!

Class of 2017 Photo

5. The class photo is the first time you get to see the entire class together. It's a great tradition to be a part of, and it will be cool to look back on when commencement comes around.

6. Who doesn't love to dance?! There's a really fun dance party with a DJ, lights, food and good vibes! Show off your moves and have a great time with new friends.

7. The New Student BBQ is a great opportunity to branch out and meet new people or hang out with your orientation group! A DJ and all your BBQ needs will be there, including veggie burgers!

8. The best thing to do in college is get involved, and what better way to find the club for you than the Club Carnival? Most of our clubs and organizations will be represented so you can definitely find some clubs that interest you.

*Don't forget to join the Welcome Week conversation on social media using #HofWelcome2020!